MAHB tells AirAsia to shut down press statements

SEPANG, 13 February 2019: AirAsia was
served, with a letter of demand, Monday, from Malaysia Airport Holdings Berhad
(MAHB) ordering it to retract and withdraw press statements on an ongoing
dispute.

AirAsia countered saying it was “not surprised by another legal response from
MAHB to our press statements.”

AirAsia Malaysia CEO Riad Asmat and AirAsia X Malaysia CEO Benyamin Ismail said in the response statement, “we are puzzled that the airport operator continues to use its dominant position and the threat of legal action to stifle and suppress fair comments.”

The two top executives claimed to have only
been responded to suits filed by MAHB over the Passenger Service Charge (PSC).

“In furtherance of open dialogue and an
amicable solution, we offered to mediate as required under the Malaysian
Aviation Commission (Mavcom) Act to resolve all outstanding issues; however,
MAHB summarily rejected this overture.”

The airline executives noted that a court
battle would have a negative impact on Malaysia’s economy and aviation
industry.

“Nevertheless, we stand by what we have
said and maintain that the current threat of legal action is unwarranted. We
will avail ourselves of all avenues to defend ourselves against all actions,
whether through mediation and arbitration as the law requires, or in the courts
of law as MAHB seeks.”

They argued that the AirAsia’s newsroom provided media and journalists with accurate news and information about the company.

“The newsroom also serves as the primary
source of communication relating to current and breaking issues, and clarification
of claims made about AirAsia in the media,” the statement explained.